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NBA betting, odds: Celtics become Finals favorites after Kristaps Porzingis trade

nick bromberg
Senior writer
·2 min read
42

Two Wednesday moves propelled the Boston Celtics to NBA Finals favorites ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft.

The Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards and sent out Marcus Smart (and others) in the three-team deal. Hours later, it was reported that the Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton would be opting out of his $40 million player option and become a free agent.

The Celtics were the No. 2 favorite to win the Finals behind the defending champion Denver Nuggets entering the week but are now ahead of the Nuggets at +475 to win the title. Boston was +550 a week ago.

Boston’s addition of Porzingis helps on the offensive end while potentially hurting the team’s perimeter defense. Smart has been one of the best defenders in the NBA and the anchor for a great Boston defense. Without Smart, the team will lean more on Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White in the backcourt alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during a game at Wells Fargo Center on March 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Wizards 112-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Kristaps Porzingis is now a member of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Porzingis also can provide a respite for an aging Al Horford and some insurance for Robert Williams in the post. While all three have vastly different skill sets, Boston is now better-positioned if Williams continues to deal with injuries and Horford doesn’t play over 60 games like he did a season ago.

Denver is still at +500 to win the title and the favorite to win the West. But the Phoenix Suns’ odds keep getting shorter and shorter after trading for Bradley Beal. The Suns opened at +850 to win the 2024 NBA title and dropped to +650 after trading Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and draft picks for Beal.

The Suns are now +550 to win the title and the No. 3 favorite despite having very little depth behind Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The Suns also have just one second-round draft selection Thursday night.

The Bucks’ title odds are unchanged at +600 as it’s very possible that Middleton will return to the team. Middleton, 31, is in line for what could be his last big-money multi-year deal after an injury-plagued 2022-23 season. By declining his option, Middleton got to free agency a year sooner.

2024 NBA Finals odds